<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{22c28196-a205-4562-8e95-ced6e758007e}{182}" paraid="787719735" >The world is changing at a rapid pace. What was special earlier is common nowadays.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{4}" paraid="1903584366" >Space travel has also seen it lately. In the past, only scientific explorers used to venture out in space to find several answers but now, it has become a way to spend leisure time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{18}" paraid="619333134" >Due to the advancement and commercialisation, space tourism has become a reality.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{32}" paraid="1692934962" >Several big conglomerates have entered this arena, which is highly lucrative.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{32}" paraid="1692934962" ><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-sends-detergent-to-space-to-help-astronauts-wash-clothes-439990" hreflang="en">SpaceX sends detergent to space to help astronauts wash clothes</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{46}" paraid="181646266" >Not just this, the competition in the industry has already heat up. Nowadays, Elon Musk's SpaceX has been running missions for sending tourists to space. It has also been working on several other missions in coordination with NASA.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{60}" paraid="1633641768" >Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin have also completed their maiden flights. Many billionaires, such as Japanese tycoon Yusaku Maezawa, Branson and others, have already visited space.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{74}" paraid="1671059169" >Apart from billionaires, several others have also reached space or the International Space Station.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{88}" paraid="176494533" >A US-based firm Space Adventures, which is headed by Tom Shelley, have sent around eight tourists to the ISS.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{102}" paraid="2061666151" ><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-finally-revolutionary-james-webb-space-telescope-scales-sky-on-christmas-439928" hreflang="en">Watch: Finally, revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{102}" paraid="2061666151" >The industry is also facing significant criticism due to its carbon footprint. This comes at a time when the world is looking to fight climate change in a do or die situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{116}" paraid="2128396602" >Some companies are using cleaner fuel for space travel but some are not.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{130}" paraid="1026416534" >Virgin Galactic has said that it looks to hold 400 flights a year in future. It shows that the popularity of space tourism will surely increase manifold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{144}" paraid="1018932177" >This may lead to huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions. So, it is important to find a fine balance between advancement in the form of space tourism and solution of climate change issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2db9b2dc-326f-4a3d-8d1f-8a156af066df}{144}" paraid="1018932177" >So, this kind of&nbsp;tourism may help in transportation of people to other planets but it may result in destruction of the Earth.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


The world is changing at a rapid pace. What was special earlier is common nowadays. Space travel has also seen it lately. In the past, only scientific explorers used to venture out in space to find several answers but now, it has become a way to spend leisure time.

The world is changing at a rapid pace. What was special earlier is common nowadays. Space travel has also seen it lately. In the past, only scientific explorers used to venture out in space to find several answers but now, it has become a way to spend leisure time. Due to the advancement and commercialisation, space tourism has become a reality. Several big conglomerates have entered this arena, which is highly lucrative. Also Read: SpaceX sends detergent to space to help astronauts wash clothes Not just this, the competition in the industry has already heat up. Nowadays, Elon Musk's SpaceX has been running missions for sending tourists to space. It has also been working on several other missions in coordination with NASA. Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin have also completed their maiden flights. Many billionaires, such as Japanese tycoon Yusaku Maezawa, Branson and others, have already visited space. Apart from billionaires, several others have also reached space or the International Space Station. A US-based firm Space Adventures, which is headed by Tom Shelley, have sent around eight tourists to the ISS. Also Read | Watch: Finally, revolutionary James Webb Space Telescope scales sky on Christmas The industry is also facing significant criticism due to its carbon footprint. This comes at a time when the world is looking to fight climate change in a do or die situation. Some companies are using cleaner fuel for space travel but some are not. Virgin Galactic has said that it looks to hold 400 flights a year in future. It shows that the popularity of space tourism will surely increase manifold. This may lead to huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions. So, it is important to find a fine balance between advancement in the form of space tourism and solution of climate change issues. So, this kind of tourism may help in transportation of people to other planets but it may result in destruction of the Earth.

Weekend Special: Will space tourism's phenomenal rise benefit world?

<p>Our ideas of planets and stars are often fixated on the model presented by our solar system. In solar system, the Sun is at the centre while planets move around it in respective orbits. For many of us, this is the model for all planets and star systems in the universe. We tend to think that planets and stars are always found in nice families such as our solar system.</p>

<p>But universe also has those planets that do not have stars to call their own. So what do these planet revolve around? They don't. They are space nomads who roam the infinite expanse on their. An estimate says that there are billions of such planets in our galaxy alone. These planets are like ghost ships that roam the seas blindly without anyone onboard to steer them right.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-more-indication-of-life-on-venus-439137">Study finds more indication of life on Venus</a></strong></p>

<p>Researchers from Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux in France have found 170 pf such rogue planets. These researchers made use of European Southern Observatory resources to make the discovery.</p>

<p>Rogue planets are formed when swirls of gas and dust in space forms them but just isn't enough to form their star. Another possibility is that such rogue planets may be the ones hurled outside their star systems. But these rogue planets may have a faint heat signature.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We measured the tiny motions, the colors and luminosities of tens of millions of sources in a large area of the sky," says Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux astronomer and first author, Núria Miret-Roig. She was quoted by European Southern Observatory.</p>

<p>These planets have been found within the Upper Scorpius and Ophiuchus constellations. The study has been published in journal Nature Astronomy.</p>


Our ideas of planets and stars are often fixated on the model presented by our solar system. In solar system, the Sun is at the centre while planets move around it in respective orbits.

Our ideas of planets and stars are often fixated on the model presented by our solar system. In solar system, the Sun is at the centre while planets move around it in respective orbits. For many of us, this is the model for all planets and star systems in the universe. We tend to think that planets and stars are always found in nice families such as our solar system. But universe also has those planets that do not have stars to call their own. So what do these planet revolve around? They don't. They are space nomads who roam the infinite expanse on their. An estimate says that there are billions of such planets in our galaxy alone. These planets are like ghost ships that roam the seas blindly without anyone onboard to steer them right. Also Read | Study finds more indication of life on Venus Researchers from Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux in France have found 170 pf such rogue planets. These researchers made use of European Southern Observatory resources to make the discovery. Rogue planets are formed when swirls of gas and dust in space forms them but just isn't enough to form their star. Another possibility is that such rogue planets may be the ones hurled outside their star systems. But these rogue planets may have a faint heat signature. "We measured the tiny motions, the colors and luminosities of tens of millions of sources in a large area of the sky," says Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux astronomer and first author, Núria Miret-Roig. She was quoted by European Southern Observatory. These planets have been found within the Upper Scorpius and Ophiuchus constellations. The study has been published in journal Nature Astronomy.

Scientists find 170 'rogue' planets

<p>Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus.</p>

<p>But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus.</p>

<p>Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds.</p>

<p>Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia.</p>

<p>But can life survive in highly acidic environment?</p>

<p>Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.</p>


Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius.

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus. But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus. Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds. Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia. But can life survive in highly acidic environment? Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth. Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.

Study finds more indication of life on Venus

<p>Comet Leonard, the brightest comet in the year 2021 flew by Earth recently. Scientists obviously had their eyes and lenses at the celestial body but many amateur astronomers pointed their telescopes at it as well. Those who could spot it grabbed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the comet will next be seen after 35,000 years. That is if Sun doesn't decide to gobble it up this time.</p>

<p>Talking about the Sun, the Comet Leonard made a very close approach to one of our spacecrafts in the area. NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter spacecraft, like its name suggests, orbits the Sun and makes important observations about our only star.</p>

<p>Comet Leonard passed very close to the solar orbitter between December 17 and December 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Was there any damage to the orbitter? Thankfully not.</p>

<p>Was the operation of the orbitter hampered in any way? No.</p>

<p>Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager (SoloHI), the spacecraft captured images of the comet as it passed by. n</p>

<p>“When SoloHi recorded these images, the comet was approximately between the sun and the spacecraft, with its gas and dust tails pointing towards the spacecraft,” said the ESA in an official statement.</p>

<p>The spacecraft will continue to observe the comet till December 22. After that the comet will move out of its field of vision.</p>

<p>It is not exactly known what will happen of the comet as at its closest approach, it will be just 90 million miles away from the Sun. There is a chance that the icy comet will break-up due to the heat. Otherwise, Sun's gravity may fling it in space away from itself.</p>


Comet Leonard, the brightest comet in the year 2021 flew by Earth recently. Scientists obviously had their eyes and lenses at the celestial body but many amateur astronomers pointed their telescopes at it as well.

Comet Leonard, the brightest comet in the year 2021 flew by Earth recently. Scientists obviously had their eyes and lenses at the celestial body but many amateur astronomers pointed their telescopes at it as well. Those who could spot it grabbed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the comet will next be seen after 35,000 years. That is if Sun doesn't decide to gobble it up this time. Talking about the Sun, the Comet Leonard made a very close approach to one of our spacecrafts in the area. NASA and European Space Agency's (ESA) solar orbitter spacecraft, like its name suggests, orbits the Sun and makes important observations about our only star. Comet Leonard passed very close to the solar orbitter between December 17 and December 19. Was there any damage to the orbitter? Thankfully not. Was the operation of the orbitter hampered in any way? No. Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager (SoloHI), the spacecraft captured images of the comet as it passed by. n “When SoloHi recorded these images, the comet was approximately between the sun and the spacecraft, with its gas and dust tails pointing towards the spacecraft,” said the ESA in an official statement. The spacecraft will continue to observe the comet till December 22. After that the comet will move out of its field of vision. It is not exactly known what will happen of the comet as at its closest approach, it will be just 90 million miles away from the Sun. There is a chance that the icy comet will break-up due to the heat. Otherwise, Sun's gravity may fling it in space away from itself.

Comet Leonard had a close shave with a spacecraft near Sun, check what happened

The James Webb space telescope, the successor of NASA's Hubble telescope is all set to take the space flight. It is the most expensive and powerful space observatory.

NASA's Hubble telescope successor 'The James Webb Space Telescope' ready to take flight

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will usher in a new era in astronomy as it gathers information on the universe's earliest stages, star formation, and whether planets beyond our solar system may be suitable for life.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to take flight soon

<p>We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games. Creative imagination runs wild when it comes to representing alien worlds.</p>

<p>But if a legit space noise sounded not far away from these seemingly imaginative works, it's often scary. NASA has released noises captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede.</p>

<p>Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system. It is so large that it size dwarfs Mercury, a full-fledged planet. Ganymede also has its own magnetic field, something that other moons in solar system can't boast of.</p>

<p>NASA's Juno spacecraft is in Jupiter's neighbourhood and making its observations. Earlier this year, Juno captured Ganymede's electromagnetic waves.</p>

<p>NASA has converted these waves into sound and has released what can be perhaps scientifically considered as sound of Ganymede. The eerie audio has been released. Check out</p>

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<p>Scientists believe that Ganymede has oceans below ice on its surface. They think that life may even exist in these alien waters. So was an alien heard calling out to humanity in the sound clip? Hear again and take a guess.</p>


We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games.

We all have seen alien movies. The space-faring adventurers often encounter them somewhere in the universe. The first conversation is always gibberish, with strange noises made by the aliens that can sound anything between a frightening hum to some electronic buzz that resembles children's video games. Creative imagination runs wild when it comes to representing alien worlds. But if a legit space noise sounded not far away from these seemingly imaginative works, it's often scary. NASA has released noises captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede. Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system. It is so large that it size dwarfs Mercury, a full-fledged planet. Ganymede also has its own magnetic field, something that other moons in solar system can't boast of. NASA's Juno spacecraft is in Jupiter's neighbourhood and making its observations. Earlier this year, Juno captured Ganymede's electromagnetic waves. NASA has converted these waves into sound and has released what can be perhaps scientifically considered as sound of Ganymede. The eerie audio has been released. Check out × Scientists believe that Ganymede has oceans below ice on its surface. They think that life may even exist in these alien waters. So was an alien heard calling out to humanity in the sound clip? Hear again and take a guess.

NASA releases eerie sounds captured near Jupiter's moon Ganymede

In Pics | Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa completes 12 days at ISS

<p>Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has returned to Earth after spending&nbsp;12 days on the International Space Station. The 46-year-old fashion magnate and his assistant Yozo Hirano came down on Kazakhstan's steppe at the expected time.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The three members aboard the Soyuz MS-20 crew ship landed back on Earth today around 10:13 pm ET completing an 11-day station mission. <a href="https://t.co/cHxruGmEfx">https://t.co/cHxruGmEfx</a></p>
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1472777403168604160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Before Maezawa's spacecraft blasted, he said “I would like to look at the Earth from space. I would like to experience the opportunity to feel weightlessness.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“And I also have a personal expectation: I’m curious how the space will change me, how I will change after this space flight.”</p>

<p>He blasted off in a Soyuz spacecraft from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his time in space, he made many videos including performing daily tasks like brushing teeth and going to the bathroom.&nbsp;<br />
After landing back on earth, he explained how to brush teeth and go to the bathroom in space. "Peeing is very easy," he said.</p>

<p>He also showed his followers how to properly drink tea and sleep in zero gravity.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">【MZ METHOD】How Do You Sleep in Zero Gravity?<a href="https://t.co/I3JwLtF8Ke">https://t.co/I3JwLtF8Ke</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTube?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YouTube</a> <a href="https://t.co/HrcEQOKdad">pic.twitter.com/HrcEQOKdad</a></p>
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/yousuckMZ/status/1472548104180170754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">【GREAT VIEW】MZ Directed Work ’Time Lapse of the Earth's Orbit’<a href="https://t.co/YwwFmqIKtp">https://t.co/YwwFmqIKtp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTube?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YouTube</a> <a href="https://t.co/zE7DPL1oeg">pic.twitter.com/zE7DPL1oeg</a></p>
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/yousuckMZ/status/1472410588584325121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">【MUSICAL EXPERIMENT】Playing Drums in Space<a href="https://t.co/s46qXUS1bO">https://t.co/s46qXUS1bO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YouTube?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YouTube</a> <a href="https://t.co/fPrJdEZHqW">pic.twitter.com/fPrJdEZHqW</a></p>
— Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/yousuckMZ/status/1472070949629755395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>With this, he has become the first private passenger on the SpaceX moon trip.</p>

<p>US-based company Space Adventures had earlier said that the cost of tickets to space for tourists ranges from $50-60 million.<br />
Moscow had stopped sending tourists to space after NASA retired the Space Shuttle in 2011. However, NASA bought up all Soyuz launch seats for a reported $90 million per spot.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has returned to Earth after spending 12 days on the International Space Station. The 46-year-old fashion magnate and his assistant Yozo Hirano came down on Kazakhstan's steppe at the expected time.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has returned to Earth after spending 12 days on the International Space Station. The 46-year-old fashion magnate and his assistant Yozo Hirano came down on Kazakhstan's steppe at the expected time. The three members aboard the Soyuz MS-20 crew ship landed back on Earth today around 10:13 pm ET completing an 11-day station mission. https://t.co/cHxruGmEfx — International Space Station (@Space_Station) December 20, 2021 × Before Maezawa's spacecraft blasted, he said “I would like to look at the Earth from space. I would like to experience the opportunity to feel weightlessness.” “And I also have a personal expectation: I’m curious how the space will change me, how I will change after this space flight.” He blasted off in a Soyuz spacecraft from the Russia-leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. During his time in space, he made many videos including performing daily tasks like brushing teeth and going to the bathroom. After landing back on earth, he explained how to brush teeth and go to the bathroom in space. "Peeing is very easy," he said. He also showed his followers how to properly drink tea and sleep in zero gravity. 【MZ METHOD】How Do You Sleep in Zero Gravity?https://t.co/I3JwLtF8Ke @YouTube pic.twitter.com/HrcEQOKdad — Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) December 19, 2021 × 【GREAT VIEW】MZ Directed Work ’Time Lapse of the Earth's Orbit’https://t.co/YwwFmqIKtp @YouTube pic.twitter.com/zE7DPL1oeg — Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) December 19, 2021 × 【MUSICAL EXPERIMENT】Playing Drums in Spacehttps://t.co/s46qXUS1bO @YouTube pic.twitter.com/fPrJdEZHqW — Yusaku Maezawa (MZ) (@yousuckMZ) December 18, 2021 × With this, he has become the first private passenger on the SpaceX moon trip. US-based company Space Adventures had earlier said that the cost of tickets to space for tourists ranges from $50-60 million. Moscow had stopped sending tourists to space after NASA retired the Space Shuttle in 2011. However, NASA bought up all Soyuz launch seats for a reported $90 million per spot. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space tourists return to earth after recording life on ISS

<p>Hubble Space Telescope is fully functional again. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been able to take care of the glitches and the aging space telescope's instruments are online again.</p>

<p>In October this year, Hubble had developed a glitch with synchronisation of its internal communication. Because of this, all four of its science instruments went offline.</p>

<p>The first instrument to come online was Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on November 7. At the time, remaining instruments went in a 'Safe Mode' for protection.</p>

<p>But earlier this week the space telscope became fully functional.</p>

<p>"The team will continue work on developing and testing changes to instrument software that would allow them to conduct science operations even if they encounter several lost synchronization messages in the future," said NASA.</p>

<p>Hubble is due to get a software update this month. This software update will be for Cosmic Origins Spectrograph instrument of the space telescope.</p>

<p>NASA said in a statement that other instruments of the telescope will also receive software update in coming months.</p>

<p>Hubble will soon be joined by another powerful telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope. The Webb telescope is going to be launched soon. While Hubble has been able to bring important images of the universe to Earth in last few decades, James Webb Space Telescope, equipped with the latest technology, is expected to be humanity's much-improved eye in the sky.</p>


Hubble Space Telescope is fully functional again. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been able to take care of the glitches and the aging space telescope's instruments are online again.

Hubble Space Telescope is fully functional again. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been able to take care of the glitches and the aging space telescope's instruments are online again. In October this year, Hubble had developed a glitch with synchronisation of its internal communication. Because of this, all four of its science instruments went offline. The first instrument to come online was Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) on November 7. At the time, remaining instruments went in a 'Safe Mode' for protection. But earlier this week the space telscope became fully functional. "The team will continue work on developing and testing changes to instrument software that would allow them to conduct science operations even if they encounter several lost synchronization messages in the future," said NASA. Hubble is due to get a software update this month. This software update will be for Cosmic Origins Spectrograph instrument of the space telescope. NASA said in a statement that other instruments of the telescope will also receive software update in coming months. Hubble will soon be joined by another powerful telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope. The Webb telescope is going to be launched soon. While Hubble has been able to bring important images of the universe to Earth in last few decades, James Webb Space Telescope, equipped with the latest technology, is expected to be humanity's much-improved eye in the sky.

Hubble Space Telescope is fully functional again

<p>Astronauts of China’s Shenzhou 13&nbsp;have taken the initiative to take a live science lesson for young kids on December 09. The scientists will be coming live from the Tiangong space station.</p>

<p>This science lesson will be conducted by astronauts Zhai Zhigang,&nbsp;Wang Yaping&nbsp;and Ye Guangfu who will start the class at 2:40 am EST. The astronauts will be coming live from inside the Tianhe module, the core of the Tiangong station.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-depicts-solar-eclipse-from-space-in-a-brilliant-photo-435258" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-depicts-solar-eclipse-from-space-in-a-brilliant-photo-435258&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8_9j699X0AhXUSWwGHY_eBVkQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WzNAxqdNYqzfHmXwiOtKh" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-depicts-solar-eclipse-from-space-in-a-brilliant-photo-435258&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8_9j699X0AhXUSWwGHY_eBVkQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WzNAxqdNYqzfHmXwiOtKh" target="_blank">NASA depicts solar eclipse from&nbsp;space&nbsp;in a brilliant photo</a></strong></p>

<p>In this class, the astronauts will talk about the behaviour of biological cells, movement in microgravity, their life and work aboard the Tianhe space station module and more.</p>

<p>The class will be a part of a series called "Tiangong Classroom", which has been named for the Chinese space station. The aim of this series is to make young children aware about space and science, and spark interest regarding the same.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that such an initiative has been taken in China. In 2013, during his first spacewalks, Wang Yaping held his first lesson with 60 million Chinese children while he was onboard the the Tiangong 1 space lab.</p>

<p>This lesson for kids will be live streamed by Chinese media.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Astronauts of China’s Shenzhou 13 have taken the initiative to take a live science lesson for young kids on December 09. The scientists will be coming live from the Tiangong space station.

Astronauts of China’s Shenzhou 13 have taken the initiative to take a live science lesson for young kids on December 09. The scientists will be coming live from the Tiangong space station. This science lesson will be conducted by astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu who will start the class at 2:40 am EST. The astronauts will be coming live from inside the Tianhe module, the core of the Tiangong station. Also read | NASA depicts solar eclipse from space in a brilliant photo In this class, the astronauts will talk about the behaviour of biological cells, movement in microgravity, their life and work aboard the Tianhe space station module and more. The class will be a part of a series called "Tiangong Classroom", which has been named for the Chinese space station. The aim of this series is to make young children aware about space and science, and spark interest regarding the same. This is not the first time that such an initiative has been taken in China. In 2013, during his first spacewalks, Wang Yaping held his first lesson with 60 million Chinese children while he was onboard the the Tiangong 1 space lab. This lesson for kids will be live streamed by Chinese media. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sparking interest': China's astronauts to conduct live science class from space station

<p>Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits.</p>

<p>When these icy bodies come relatively close to the Sun, the melting ice and other substances make what is known as the tail of a comet. And when they zoom past Earth, sometimes the comets are visible with naked eye.</p>

<p>Comet Leonard is slated to make its closest approach to Earth on December 12. It will be the brightest comet of 2021. The comet was discovered by Gregory J Leonard earlier this year.</p>

<p>You may want to catch a glimpse of Comet Leonard now because when it'll come to our neighbourhood again, it will be too late for all of us. If you miss it this time, you'll have to wait 35,000 years to see it again.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/star-system-with-planet-10-times-bigger-than-jupiter-is-disproving-assumptions-435522">Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions</a></strong></p>

<p>It is expected that the comet would be visible to the naked eye, but it is advisable to use binoculars or telescope in order to fully appreciate the space spectacle.</p>

<p><strong>When is the best time to watch Comet Leonard?</strong></p>

<p>The comet will make its closest approach on December 12. The best time to spot it will be a few hours before dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Where to look in the sky to spot Comet Leonard?</strong></p>

<p>The comet would be visible in east-northeast part of the sky in the first weeks of December. It will pass between Arcturus, the brightest star of the Bootes constellation and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism.</p>

<p>After December 14, the comet can be seen in the evening sky after sunset. Astronomers say that comet Leonard will be visible till December 17.</p>


Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits.

Though there are many misconceptions, even superstitions associated with comets, they are nothing but celestial bodies that travel around the Sun in insanely big orbits. When these icy bodies come relatively close to the Sun, the melting ice and other substances make what is known as the tail of a comet. And when they zoom past Earth, sometimes the comets are visible with naked eye. Comet Leonard is slated to make its closest approach to Earth on December 12. It will be the brightest comet of 2021. The comet was discovered by Gregory J Leonard earlier this year. You may want to catch a glimpse of Comet Leonard now because when it'll come to our neighbourhood again, it will be too late for all of us. If you miss it this time, you'll have to wait 35,000 years to see it again. Also Read | Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions It is expected that the comet would be visible to the naked eye, but it is advisable to use binoculars or telescope in order to fully appreciate the space spectacle. When is the best time to watch Comet Leonard? The comet will make its closest approach on December 12. The best time to spot it will be a few hours before dawn. Where to look in the sky to spot Comet Leonard? The comet would be visible in east-northeast part of the sky in the first weeks of December. It will pass between Arcturus, the brightest star of the Bootes constellation and the handle of the Big Dipper asterism. After December 14, the comet can be seen in the evening sky after sunset. Astronomers say that comet Leonard will be visible till December 17.

Leonard: Brightest comet of 2021 to make closest approach in few days | How to watch

<p>Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it. This fixed idea of how star systems are 'supposed to look like' has often dominated our astronomical perspective for decades, even centuries.</p>

<p>But as wonderful the universe is, it continues to force us to rethink our ways by revealing new secrets.</p>

<p>Scientists have found the hottest star system and a massive planet orbitting b Centauri, a binary star.</p>

<p>For most of us, planet Jupiter is maxima of imagination for planetary size. If Jupiter is considered to be a football, Earth will be smallers than a marble.</p>

<p>But in this new star system, the planet orbitting the binary star has been found to be 10 times the size pf Jupiter! And the distance between the planet and the binary star is ten times that between Jupiter and the Sun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This star system lies 325 light-years away from Earth. The system lies in the Centaurus constellation.</p>

<p>The primary star in this star system is over three times hotter than the Sun. It is also bigger. Its mass is six times that of the Sun.</p>

<p>Previously, it was thought that stars bigger than three times the size of Sun were not able to harbour planets. But this star system has proven this assumption wrong.</p>


Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it.

Our view of the universe has long been very solar system-centric. We have traditionally believed and looked for star systems that have one star at the centre and planets orbitting around it. This fixed idea of how star systems are 'supposed to look like' has often dominated our astronomical perspective for decades, even centuries. But as wonderful the universe is, it continues to force us to rethink our ways by revealing new secrets. Scientists have found the hottest star system and a massive planet orbitting b Centauri, a binary star. For most of us, planet Jupiter is maxima of imagination for planetary size. If Jupiter is considered to be a football, Earth will be smallers than a marble. But in this new star system, the planet orbitting the binary star has been found to be 10 times the size pf Jupiter! And the distance between the planet and the binary star is ten times that between Jupiter and the Sun. This star system lies 325 light-years away from Earth. The system lies in the Centaurus constellation. The primary star in this star system is over three times hotter than the Sun. It is also bigger. Its mass is six times that of the Sun. Previously, it was thought that stars bigger than three times the size of Sun were not able to harbour planets. But this star system has proven this assumption wrong.

Star system with planet 10 times bigger than Jupiter is disproving assumptions

<p>Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine.</p>

<p>But not everyone is lucky to have seen a total eclipse. You have to be in the right place at the right time to witness this natural wonder. There may be thousand who wouldn't have seen total, or even a partial solar eclipse.</p>

<p>But witnessing a solar eclipse from space is a privilege affrded to even fewer people.</p>

<p>NASA has come to aid of those who can't become an astronaut overnight in order to see an eclipse from space.</p>

<p>In its Instagram post, NASA has posted an image taken from space during the recent total eclipse which was visible only from Antarctica.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? How about seeing a total solar eclipse FROM SPACE?" asks NASA at the outset. The image shows the familiar blue orb of our planet. But what's different than usual is a black spot right over Antarctica in the south. That is Moon's shadow as it passes between the Sun and Earth, therby treating the regions under that shadow to a beautiful solar eclipse.</p>

<p>"Our robotic and human explorers are here to help. On Dec. 4, 2021, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft captured the Moon's shadow as it passed over Antarctica, home to penguins and a handful of scientists. Shaped like a cone extending into space, the shadow has a circular cross-section most easily seen during a solar eclipse. People in parts of Namibia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Falkland Islands were treated to a partial eclipse," says NASA in Instagram post.</p>

<p>Check it out below</p>

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<p>As it can be seen. Netizens have loved the pic and it has been 'liked' by nearly a million people.</p>


Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine.

Solar eclipse is a treat to the senses. It's amazing to see a day give way to a sudden night and the ever-shining disc of the Sun getting obscured by the Moon. Those observing can see stars twinkling right in front of them in a black sky which, by logic, should have been lit by bright sunshine. But not everyone is lucky to have seen a total eclipse. You have to be in the right place at the right time to witness this natural wonder. There may be thousand who wouldn't have seen total, or even a partial solar eclipse. But witnessing a solar eclipse from space is a privilege affrded to even fewer people. NASA has come to aid of those who can't become an astronaut overnight in order to see an eclipse from space. In its Instagram post, NASA has posted an image taken from space during the recent total eclipse which was visible only from Antarctica. "Have you ever seen a total solar eclipse? How about seeing a total solar eclipse FROM SPACE?" asks NASA at the outset. The image shows the familiar blue orb of our planet. But what's different than usual is a black spot right over Antarctica in the south. That is Moon's shadow as it passes between the Sun and Earth, therby treating the regions under that shadow to a beautiful solar eclipse. "Our robotic and human explorers are here to help. On Dec. 4, 2021, the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft captured the Moon's shadow as it passed over Antarctica, home to penguins and a handful of scientists. Shaped like a cone extending into space, the shadow has a circular cross-section most easily seen during a solar eclipse. People in parts of Namibia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Falkland Islands were treated to a partial eclipse," says NASA in Instagram post. Check it out below View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × As it can be seen. Netizens have loved the pic and it has been 'liked' by nearly a million people.

NASA depicts solar eclipse from space in a brilliant photo

<p>There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scientists have now spotted one of the smallest planets ever to be discovered outside our solar system. The planet, designated as GJ 367b is a red-hot world. It's just a bit larger than Mars and is as dense as pure Iron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The planet zooms around its star every eight hours. It is 31 light-years away from Earth.</p>

<p>Scientists are eager to find exoplanets, as these alien worlds are known, that might harbor life. The newly discovered one, called GJ 367b, certainly could not, possessing ferocious surface temperatures and perhaps a molten lava surface on the side facing its star, they said. But other small exoplanets found and studied using the same methods might emerge as good candidates for nurturing extraterrestrial life.</p>

<p>A quarter century after the first exoplanet discoveries, scientists have turned toward characterizing them more precisely to gain a deeper understanding of their variety, from large gas giants akin to Jupiter to smaller rocky Earth-like planets where life might thrive.</p>

<p>"Gas giants such as Jupiter, as we know it, are not habitable because they have more extreme temperatures, weather, pressures and a lack of essential building blocks to support life," said astronomer Kristine Lam of the Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), lead author of the study published in the journal Science. She was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>"Unlike gas giants, small terrestrial worlds like Earth are more temperate and consist of important ingredients, such as liquid water and oxygen, to harbor life forms. Although not all terrestrial exoplanets are habitable, searching for smaller worlds and identifying the type of planets they are can help us understand how planets were formed, what makes a planet habitable and if our solar system is unique," Lam added.</p>

<p>GJ 367b is the smallest exoplanet to be so precisely characterized. It has a diameter of about 5,600 miles (9,000 km) - compared to Earth's 7,900 miles (12,700 km) and the 4,200 miles (6,800 km) of Mars. Its mass is 55% that of Earth and it is more dense - near that of pure iron.</p>

<p>The researchers calculated that 86% of GJ 367b is composed of iron, with an interior structure resembling Mercury, the closest planet to our sun. They are wondering whether the planet lost an outer mantle that once encased its core.</p>

<p>"Perhaps like Mercury, GJ 367b could have experienced an episode of giant impact which stripped away the mantle, leaving behind a large iron core. Or maybe the exoplanet is a remnant of a Neptune or super-Earth sized gaseous planet, where the atmosphere of the planet has completely blown away as the planet is blasted by a large amount of radiation from the star," Lam said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park.

There is no saying what the universe might throw at us. Just when some of us think they know everything about it, a new discovery tosses all that smugness out of the park. Scientists have now spotted one of the smallest planets ever to be discovered outside our solar system. The planet, designated as GJ 367b is a red-hot world. It's just a bit larger than Mars and is as dense as pure Iron. The planet zooms around its star every eight hours. It is 31 light-years away from Earth. Scientists are eager to find exoplanets, as these alien worlds are known, that might harbor life. The newly discovered one, called GJ 367b, certainly could not, possessing ferocious surface temperatures and perhaps a molten lava surface on the side facing its star, they said. But other small exoplanets found and studied using the same methods might emerge as good candidates for nurturing extraterrestrial life. A quarter century after the first exoplanet discoveries, scientists have turned toward characterizing them more precisely to gain a deeper understanding of their variety, from large gas giants akin to Jupiter to smaller rocky Earth-like planets where life might thrive. "Gas giants such as Jupiter, as we know it, are not habitable because they have more extreme temperatures, weather, pressures and a lack of essential building blocks to support life," said astronomer Kristine Lam of the Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), lead author of the study published in the journal Science. She was quoted by Reuters. "Unlike gas giants, small terrestrial worlds like Earth are more temperate and consist of important ingredients, such as liquid water and oxygen, to harbor life forms. Although not all terrestrial exoplanets are habitable, searching for smaller worlds and identifying the type of planets they are can help us understand how planets were formed, what makes a planet habitable and if our solar system is unique," Lam added. GJ 367b is the smallest exoplanet to be so precisely characterized. It has a diameter of about 5,600 miles (9,000 km) - compared to Earth's 7,900 miles (12,700 km) and the 4,200 miles (6,800 km) of Mars. Its mass is 55% that of Earth and it is more dense - near that of pure iron. The researchers calculated that 86% of GJ 367b is composed of iron, with an interior structure resembling Mercury, the closest planet to our sun. They are wondering whether the planet lost an outer mantle that once encased its core. "Perhaps like Mercury, GJ 367b could have experienced an episode of giant impact which stripped away the mantle, leaving behind a large iron core. Or maybe the exoplanet is a remnant of a Neptune or super-Earth sized gaseous planet, where the atmosphere of the planet has completely blown away as the planet is blasted by a large amount of radiation from the star," Lam said. (With inputs from agencies)

On this planet as dense as Iron, a year lasts only eight hours

<p class="MsoNormal">Russia is gearing up to send a Japanese billionaire to the International Space Station, breaking its ongoing pause of welcoming tourists in Russia’s space tourism programme.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Yusaku Maezawa, a 46-year-old billionaire, is one of the richest men in Japan. On Wednesday, he will blast off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan accompanied by his assistant Yozo Hirano.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This will be the first time the Russia’s space tourism programme will welcome a tourist since 2009. It has been more than a decade since Canada's Cirque du Soleil co-founder Guy Laliberte&nbsp;was welcomed in this manner.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-spacex-faces-bankruptcy-risk-433456"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></o:p></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-spacex-faces-bankruptcy-risk-433456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p class="MsoNormal">His launch comes at a crucial time for the Russian space industry, which is trying to prove its standing in the industry at a time when western companies (such as SpaceX) are emerging as strong competitors. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX had last year lausnched a crew of astronauts in Crew Dragon capsule, ending Russia’s monopoly on manned flights to the International Space Station (ISS).<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Maezawa will be flying in the Soyuz spacecraft which now has a Japanese flag and an ‘MZ’ logo (for Maezawa) painted on it. It has now been moved onto the launch pad in Baikonur.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Japanese billionaire is the founder of one of the largest online fashion malls of Japan has been labelled to be country’s 30th richest man by Forbes. "I am almost crying because of my impressions, this is so impressive," Maezawa said in late November after arriving at Baikonur for the final days of preparation.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">He admitted that the training was one of the hardest things he has ever done and training in the spinning chair "almost feels like torture".<o:p></o:p></p>


Russia is gearing up to send a Japanese billionaire to the International Space Station, breaking its ongoing pause of welcoming tourists in Russia’s space tourism programme.

Russia is gearing up to send a Japanese billionaire to the International Space Station, breaking its ongoing pause of welcoming tourists in Russia’s space tourism programme. Yusaku Maezawa, a 46-year-old billionaire, is one of the richest men in Japan. On Wednesday, he will blast off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan accompanied by his assistant Yozo Hirano. This will be the first time the Russia’s space tourism programme will welcome a tourist since 2009. It has been more than a decade since Canada's Cirque du Soleil co-founder Guy Laliberte was welcomed in this manner. WATCH | His launch comes at a crucial time for the Russian space industry, which is trying to prove its standing in the industry at a time when western companies (such as SpaceX) are emerging as strong competitors. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX had last year lausnched a crew of astronauts in Crew Dragon capsule, ending Russia’s monopoly on manned flights to the International Space Station (ISS). Maezawa will be flying in the Soyuz spacecraft which now has a Japanese flag and an ‘MZ’ logo (for Maezawa) painted on it. It has now been moved onto the launch pad in Baikonur. The Japanese billionaire is the founder of one of the largest online fashion malls of Japan has been labelled to be country’s 30th richest man by Forbes. "I am almost crying because of my impressions, this is so impressive," Maezawa said in late November after arriving at Baikonur for the final days of preparation. He admitted that the training was one of the hardest things he has ever done and training in the spinning chair "almost feels like torture".

Competing with SpaceX, Russia to send Yusaku Maezawa to space

<p>Nebulas are places in space where stars form. Nebulas are made up of interstellar gas and dust. They are formed when old stars explode. Amd in turn, new stars are formed from the stellar material deposited in the nebula.</p>

<p>NASA's Hubble space telescope has captured image of Prawn Nebula, a massive stellar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628.</p>

<p>The nebula has been classified as emission nebula. This is because the gas in the nebula is being ionised by stars forming inside it. This forms electrons that re-emit the absorbed energy in the form of infrared light. Human eye cannot see infrared light. And thus good-ol Hubble comes into play.</p>

<p>Hubble's unique vantage point in space gives it a unique advantage when it comes to clicking pictures of celestial bodies. Needless to say, its vast array of cameras and lenses makes it capable of perceiving light not ordinarily visible to human eye.</p>

<p>This image has been taken by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. The image was clicked as part of an initiative to survey large and intermediate-size stars which are in early stage of their development.</p>


Nebulas are places in space where stars form. Nebulas are made up of interstellar gas and dust. They are formed when old stars explode. Amd in turn, new stars are formed from the stellar material deposited in the nebula.

Nebulas are places in space where stars form. Nebulas are made up of interstellar gas and dust. They are formed when old stars explode. Amd in turn, new stars are formed from the stellar material deposited in the nebula. NASA's Hubble space telescope has captured image of Prawn Nebula, a massive stellar nursery. The nebula is 250 might-years wide and is situated at a distance of 6000 light-years away from Earth. Formally, the Prawn Nebula is called IC 4628. The nebula has been classified as emission nebula. This is because the gas in the nebula is being ionised by stars forming inside it. This forms electrons that re-emit the absorbed energy in the form of infrared light. Human eye cannot see infrared light. And thus good-ol Hubble comes into play. Hubble's unique vantage point in space gives it a unique advantage when it comes to clicking pictures of celestial bodies. Needless to say, its vast array of cameras and lenses makes it capable of perceiving light not ordinarily visible to human eye. This image has been taken by Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3. The image was clicked as part of an initiative to survey large and intermediate-size stars which are in early stage of their development.

Hubble telescope captures pic of Prawn Nebula, a massive stellar nursery

<p>Why would a tourist want to take a trip to space?</p>

<p>For the wealthy thrill seekers able to pay upwards of $450,000 for a seat with commercial space projects such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, the answer is likely to involve the pursuit of awe or wonder. Philosophers call the type of sensory and aesthetic stimuli that provoke it the sublime.</p>

<p>On its face, the kind of short flight to the edge of space that looks set to be the predominant mode of space tourism, at least in the short term, seems the very definition of what the psychologist Abraham Maslow called a “peak experience.” The kinetic thrill of rocketing to an altitude of over 50 miles, combined with the astonishing perspective it affords of our planet, invites us to believe that few adventures could be more profound.</p>

<p>But picture the millionaire awe chaser when the big day comes around, and the capsule he has booked a seat on hurtles skyward into the deep blue of the upper mesosphere. The whole escapade is being recorded by HD cameras. A dulcet computer-generated voice provides the commentary. The chair is uncannily comfortable. The ride, controlled by cutting-edge A.I. technology, is disconcertingly smooth. Champagne is waiting for the passengers on the landing pad.</p>

<p>Under such contrived conditions, awe will always be a chimera. That which we explicitly pursue will always, to a greater or lesser extent, remain out of reach.</p>

<p>The appeal of the sublime has been a subject of conjecture and interpretation for as long as humans have pondered the stars. Existing at the intersection of joy and fear, the feelings it can elicit are best understood as a paradox: the sensation of feeling enriched by way of feeling diminished. A person might experience it while standing on a mountainside when a storm rolls in or peering down the gullet of a thunderous waterfall. The transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson memorably called it his “transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all.” The writer Shannon Stirone described it as “the simultaneous shrinking and expanding of our hearts.”</p>

<p>We covet the experience of sublimity because it hints at mysteries and forces beyond the realm of ordinary human understanding. And it is good for us. Neuroscientists discovered that regular doses of awe can boost critical thinking, physical health and emotional well-being. Studies have also shown that it makes us kinder and more empathetic.</p>

<p>But chasing it misses an essential element of awe, which is that so much of its potency depends on factors that commercial spaceflight seems custom designed to negate.</p>

<p>In many years of working as a travel writer — which I’ve often thought of as working the awe beat — I’ve come to understand that awe cannot be easily choreographed.</p>

<p>Some of the times I have experienced awe: An hour of avalanches rumbling down the south face of Annapurna under a full moon. Fork lightning strobing across the empty deck of a cargo ship on Lake Victoria. An eagle hovering 20 feet above my shoulder in the Chilean tundra.</p>

<p>These were the sort of transcendental moments we might hope to enjoy when we book a trip for adventure. But what they all had in common was some unanticipated ingredient. They relied on serendipity, whether in the form of weather conditions or animal idiosyncrasy. The high-flown emotions they triggered — the sorts that manifest in goose bumps, sometimes even tears — came unbidden.</p>

<p>Some occasions, by contrast, when I didn’t feel awe: gorilla tracking in Uganda, seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre amid a jostling crowd of people taking photos of it with their mobile phones, every safari I’ve ever been on. These experiences were certainly noteworthy. But they were far from sublime.</p>

<p>Space tourism belongs to this subset of ostensibly awesome experiences that often feel anticlimactic precisely because they come with a promise of awe factored in.</p>

<p>For one thing, space tourists probably embark with a pretty good simulation of the experience already imprinted on their minds. Westernized and space curious, clients of the new space tourism outfits will have watched the modern canon of astronautical drama, including “Gravity” and “Interstellar.” In preflight training, they will have been drilled and prepped for every moment they will spend in suborbit. The sense of surprise that is arguably the most vital precondition for experiencing awe will have been watered down by the months of forethought and demystification.</p>

<p>Often, the problem is simply one of context. Do you have any preconceived expectations about the experience? How exposed are you to the thing you’re observing? Is the activity ethically fraught? These potential distractions might seem incidental. But they all have the potential to obstruct our ability to enjoy an authentic communion with the sublime.</p>

<p>It’s the difference between joining a 20-strong organized tour to see the Northern Lights and, say, camping alone in some Scandinavian wilderness and being roused from your tent by the aurora’s spectral green ripples illuminating the canvas. The first will be nice, even memorable. You will take pretty photos and get lots of hearts on Instagram. The second could make you feel that you have been touched by grace.</p>

<p>The scientific study of awe is still in its infancy, but this awe junkie’s intuition is supported by a growing body of research. “One of the most striking discoveries in our 15 years of studying awe is how often it involves finding the extraordinary in the ordinary: a friend’s generosity to a homeless person in the streets, looking at a leafy tree’s play of light and shadow on a sidewalk,” said Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at Berkeley and the author of a book on awe set for release next year.</p>

<p>“The best way to access this everyday awe is by allowing yourself to wander, to avoid following a schedule each moment of the day. We didn’t evolve to feel awe about hurtling through space.”</p>

<p>Oh, most of the space tourists will say it was awesome, as the billionaire and space tourism entrepreneur Richard Branson did: “How you feel when you look down on Earth is impossible to put into words. It’s just indescribable beauty.” But how could they say it was anything less than the best moment of their life, having shelled out hundreds of thousands for the experience? In the age of performative experientialism, in which those with economic means can be seduced by gold-wrapped steaks not because they taste good but merely because they are exclusive, this conflation of expectations with lived sensation — the mistaking of bragging rights for joy — is nothing new.</p>

<p>Consider, again, our millionaire astronaut in his cushioned revolving chair, as the indigo sky fades to black. The thrusters shut off, their roar giving way to the profound silence and weightlessness of the cosmic void.</p>

<p>While he is up there, gazing down at this godlike overview of metastasizing deserts and receding ice, the best he might hope for is a moment of clarity.</p>

<p>“When you get up above it,” Jeff Bezos said of the atmosphere after his inaugural flight on New Shepard in July, “it’s this tiny little fragile thing, and as we move about the planet, we’re damaging it.”</p>

<p>Perhaps he and other amateur astronauts are fated to recognize, in that quiet knot of bathos, that to be the Midas of an ailing planet is the ultimate spiritual impoverishment. That an act of hubris can never truly buy humility, let alone wonderment.</p>


Why would a tourist want to take a trip to space? For the wealthy thrill seekers able to pay upwards of $450,000 for a seat with commercial space projects such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, the answer is likely to involve the pursuit of awe or wonder.

Why would a tourist want to take a trip to space? For the wealthy thrill seekers able to pay upwards of $450,000 for a seat with commercial space projects such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, the answer is likely to involve the pursuit of awe or wonder. Philosophers call the type of sensory and aesthetic stimuli that provoke it the sublime. On its face, the kind of short flight to the edge of space that looks set to be the predominant mode of space tourism, at least in the short term, seems the very definition of what the psychologist Abraham Maslow called a “peak experience.” The kinetic thrill of rocketing to an altitude of over 50 miles, combined with the astonishing perspective it affords of our planet, invites us to believe that few adventures could be more profound. But picture the millionaire awe chaser when the big day comes around, and the capsule he has booked a seat on hurtles skyward into the deep blue of the upper mesosphere. The whole escapade is being recorded by HD cameras. A dulcet computer-generated voice provides the commentary. The chair is uncannily comfortable. The ride, controlled by cutting-edge A.I. technology, is disconcertingly smooth. Champagne is waiting for the passengers on the landing pad. Under such contrived conditions, awe will always be a chimera. That which we explicitly pursue will always, to a greater or lesser extent, remain out of reach. The appeal of the sublime has been a subject of conjecture and interpretation for as long as humans have pondered the stars. Existing at the intersection of joy and fear, the feelings it can elicit are best understood as a paradox: the sensation of feeling enriched by way of feeling diminished. A person might experience it while standing on a mountainside when a storm rolls in or peering down the gullet of a thunderous waterfall. The transcendentalist Ralph Waldo Emerson memorably called it his “transparent eyeball; I am nothing; I see all.” The writer Shannon Stirone described it as “the simultaneous shrinking and expanding of our hearts.” We covet the experience of sublimity because it hints at mysteries and forces beyond the realm of ordinary human understanding. And it is good for us. Neuroscientists discovered that regular doses of awe can boost critical thinking, physical health and emotional well-being. Studies have also shown that it makes us kinder and more empathetic. But chasing it misses an essential element of awe, which is that so much of its potency depends on factors that commercial spaceflight seems custom designed to negate. In many years of working as a travel writer — which I’ve often thought of as working the awe beat — I’ve come to understand that awe cannot be easily choreographed. Some of the times I have experienced awe: An hour of avalanches rumbling down the south face of Annapurna under a full moon. Fork lightning strobing across the empty deck of a cargo ship on Lake Victoria. An eagle hovering 20 feet above my shoulder in the Chilean tundra. These were the sort of transcendental moments we might hope to enjoy when we book a trip for adventure. But what they all had in common was some unanticipated ingredient. They relied on serendipity, whether in the form of weather conditions or animal idiosyncrasy. The high-flown emotions they triggered — the sorts that manifest in goose bumps, sometimes even tears — came unbidden. Some occasions, by contrast, when I didn’t feel awe: gorilla tracking in Uganda, seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre amid a jostling crowd of people taking photos of it with their mobile phones, every safari I’ve ever been on. These experiences were certainly noteworthy. But they were far from sublime. Space tourism belongs to this subset of ostensibly awesome experiences that often feel anticlimactic precisely because they come with a promise of awe factored in. For one thing, space tourists probably embark with a pretty good simulation of the experience already imprinted on their minds. Westernized and space curious, clients of the new space tourism outfits will have watched the modern canon of astronautical drama, including “Gravity” and “Interstellar.” In preflight training, they will have been drilled and prepped for every moment they will spend in suborbit. The sense of surprise that is arguably the most vital precondition for experiencing awe will have been watered down by the months of forethought and demystification. Often, the problem is simply one of context. Do you have any preconceived expectations about the experience? How exposed are you to the thing you’re observing? Is the activity ethically fraught? These potential distractions might seem incidental. But they all have the potential to obstruct our ability to enjoy an authentic communion with the sublime. It’s the difference between joining a 20-strong organized tour to see the Northern Lights and, say, camping alone in some Scandinavian wilderness and being roused from your tent by the aurora’s spectral green ripples illuminating the canvas. The first will be nice, even memorable. You will take pretty photos and get lots of hearts on Instagram. The second could make you feel that you have been touched by grace. The scientific study of awe is still in its infancy, but this awe junkie’s intuition is supported by a growing body of research. “One of the most striking discoveries in our 15 years of studying awe is how often it involves finding the extraordinary in the ordinary: a friend’s generosity to a homeless person in the streets, looking at a leafy tree’s play of light and shadow on a sidewalk,” said Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at Berkeley and the author of a book on awe set for release next year. “The best way to access this everyday awe is by allowing yourself to wander, to avoid following a schedule each moment of the day. We didn’t evolve to feel awe about hurtling through space.” Oh, most of the space tourists will say it was awesome, as the billionaire and space tourism entrepreneur Richard Branson did: “How you feel when you look down on Earth is impossible to put into words. It’s just indescribable beauty.” But how could they say it was anything less than the best moment of their life, having shelled out hundreds of thousands for the experience? In the age of performative experientialism, in which those with economic means can be seduced by gold-wrapped steaks not because they taste good but merely because they are exclusive, this conflation of expectations with lived sensation — the mistaking of bragging rights for joy — is nothing new. Consider, again, our millionaire astronaut in his cushioned revolving chair, as the indigo sky fades to black. The thrusters shut off, their roar giving way to the profound silence and weightlessness of the cosmic void. While he is up there, gazing down at this godlike overview of metastasizing deserts and receding ice, the best he might hope for is a moment of clarity. “When you get up above it,” Jeff Bezos said of the atmosphere after his inaugural flight on New Shepard in July, “it’s this tiny little fragile thing, and as we move about the planet, we’re damaging it.” Perhaps he and other amateur astronauts are fated to recognize, in that quiet knot of bathos, that to be the Midas of an ailing planet is the ultimate spiritual impoverishment. That an act of hubris can never truly buy humility, let alone wonderment.

Why space tourists won’t find the awe they seek

<p>There are great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit, according to Colonel Pam Melroy, NASA’s deputy administrator.</p>

<p>“Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on earth and those who spend their effort on it, see a direct line of sight.”</p>

<p>The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on earth and improve life here” agrees Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA).</p>

<p>On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the Future Lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the Lunar surface. The Japanese Space agency head emphasised&nbsp;the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further their spacefaring ambitions.</p>

<p>It is noteworthy that, unlike the other three Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.</p>

<p>However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick. “We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&amp;D , by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence abut there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy accessibility to space and rapid miniaturisation of technological and aerospace components.</p>

<p>Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an Astronaut programme.</p>

<p>He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, Manned Lunar exploration programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel,” said&nbsp;Melroy, a former NASA astronaut.</p>

<p>According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Sustained presence in Low Earth Orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said, regarding some of the breakthroughs facilitated by astronauts’ presence in the International Space station labs.</p>

<p>On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said, "we intend to handoff LEO (500-200km orbit) to commercial partners, so that we can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system.</p>

<p>“If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building of rockets, satellites, launching of rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services.</p>

<p>The Indian space sector has been dominated by the state-run ISRO since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services.</p>

<p>However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, that is estimated to be worth $440 billion&nbsp;worldwide.&nbsp;</p>


There are great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit, according to Colonel Pam Melroy, NASA’s deputy administrator.

There are great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit, according to Colonel Pam Melroy, NASA’s deputy administrator. “Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on earth and those who spend their effort on it, see a direct line of sight.” The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. “Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on earth and improve life here” agrees Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA). On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the Future Lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the Lunar surface. The Japanese Space agency head emphasised the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions. Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further their spacefaring ambitions. It is noteworthy that, unlike the other three Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick. “We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&D , by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence abut there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency. Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy accessibility to space and rapid miniaturisation of technological and aerospace components. Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an Astronaut programme. He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, Manned Lunar exploration programme. “NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel,” said Melroy, a former NASA astronaut. According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space. “Sustained presence in Low Earth Orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said, regarding some of the breakthroughs facilitated by astronauts’ presence in the International Space station labs. On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said, "we intend to handoff LEO (500-200km orbit) to commercial partners, so that we can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system. “If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions. It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building of rockets, satellites, launching of rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services. The Indian space sector has been dominated by the state-run ISRO since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services. However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, that is estimated to be worth $440 billion worldwide.

“We go to space to benefit life on earth”, says NASA deputy administrator at Quad space officials' meet

<p>The world is witnessing a space race of sorts again with entry of private companies in the domain previously exclusive to government space agencies. Questions are often raised about whether we need to spend billions on space when we have pressing issues here on Earth. But it has been seen the technological and scientific frontiers heralded by space exploration has often led to advancement of science and tech on Earth.</p>

<p>"There’s great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit," says Colonel Pam Melroy, a former NASA Astronaut who is currently NASA’s deputy administrator.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on Earth and those who spend their effort on it see a direct line of sight.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on Earth and improve life here,” agrees Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa, president, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the future lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the Moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the lunar surface. The Japanese space agency head emphasised the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further its spacefaring ambitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is noteworthy that, unlike the other Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&amp;D, by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence about there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy access to space and rapid miniaturization of technological, aerospace components. Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an astronaut programme. He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, manned lunar exploration programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel..” Says the former NASA Astronaut. According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Sustained presence in low Earth orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said.</p>

<p>On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said that the agency intends to handoff LEO (500-200 km orbits) to commercial partners, so that it can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building rockets, satellites, launching rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services etc. The Indian Space sector has been dominated by the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation, since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services. However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, which is estimated to be worth $440 billion worldwide.&nbsp;</p>


The world is witnessing a space race of sorts again with entry of private companies in the domain previously exclusive to government space agencies. Questions are often raised about whether we need to spend billions on space when we have pressing issues here on Earth.

The world is witnessing a space race of sorts again with entry of private companies in the domain previously exclusive to government space agencies. Questions are often raised about whether we need to spend billions on space when we have pressing issues here on Earth. But it has been seen the technological and scientific frontiers heralded by space exploration has often led to advancement of science and tech on Earth. "There’s great benefits here on earth as a result of space exploration activities and continued human presence in Low Earth Orbit," says Colonel Pam Melroy, a former NASA Astronaut who is currently NASA’s deputy administrator. “Climate change is an existential crisis, the best place to monitor earth, is from space… There are a lot of problems to solve… We go to space to benefit life on Earth and those who spend their effort on it see a direct line of sight.” The top American official was in discussion with heads of space agencies from the Quad countries (Japan, Australia, India, US), hosted as part of the Sydney Dialogue, by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. “Traditionally government agencies carried out space activities, but there has been increased activity in low earth orbit (LEO) in the last decade. In the midst of this, ordinary people and astronauts are going to space. Increasing access to space can create new services on Earth and improve life here,” agrees Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa, president, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA). On the need for greater collaboration between Quad countries, he added that the future lunar exploration has to be a joint effort, as there exists the possibility of having a manned space station in the vicinity of the Moon, which can enable sustained exploration in the region and also on the lunar surface. The Japanese space agency head emphasised the need for multi-national missions to Mars that would be led by Quad countries, owing to the high costs of manned missions. Despite being a recent entrant, the Australian Space Agency hopes to build upon its long legacy of having performed and facilitated deep space communications, remote operations and space medicine, life sciences, to further its spacefaring ambitions. It is noteworthy that, unlike the other Quad countries, Australia doesn’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. However, the Australian Space Agency wants to grow big and grow quick. “We are looking to nurture and foster industry, by investing on R&D, by offering grants, special programmes, working with other space agencies and instilling confidence about there being a market” says Enrico Palermo, Head, Australian Space Agency. Asked about Australia having its own human spaceflight programme, Palermo expressed optimism and said that they would have a shot eventually, considering the increasing easy access to space and rapid miniaturization of technological, aerospace components. Elaborating on Australia’s geographic advantages, open ranges, experience in space medicine and life sciences, deep space communication networks, he said that Australia would end up in a position to have an astronaut programme. He also made a mention of Australia’s communication and tracking support being offered to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and NASA’s Artemis, manned lunar exploration programme. “NASA is an engine to drive commercial development and space exploration is the fuel for this engine… Pushing ourselves to do something super challenging is the fuel..” Says the former NASA Astronaut. According to her, NASA would be a facilitator that would provide funding, strike partnerships, open doors and nurture private players to go forward in the exploration of deep space. “Sustained presence in low Earth orbit had helped us understand and develop more efficient combustion engines, key processes in the human body, insights for medicine development etc.” she said. On NASA’s future plans, Melroy said that the agency intends to handoff LEO (500-200 km orbits) to commercial partners, so that it can put more investment into expanding out into the solar system. “If we continue to do everything on our own, it would be very tough to find the resources for it” she said on the importance of having private companies undertaking important spacefaring and support missions. It is significant to note that the Indian government had announced reforms in the country’s space sector, in 2020, to enable private players to perform end-to-end spacefaring activities including designing, owning, building rockets, satellites, launching rockets and spacecrafts, providing support and ground services etc. The Indian Space sector has been dominated by the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation, since the very inception of India’s space programme, while private companies were only vendors and suppliers of components and services. However, the latest reforms in India are aimed at opening up this lucrative industry, which is estimated to be worth $440 billion worldwide.

Being in space has given us better science and tech on Earth, say top officials of Quad space agencies

DART spacecraft soared into the night sky at 10:21 p.m. Pacific time on Tuesday from Vandenberg U.S. Space Force Base.

NASA launches DART mission to test asteroid defense concept

<p>In what can be called a trip of a lifetime, a health coach from Antigua and Barbuda, who won two tickets worth almost $1 million to space, looks to take her teenage daughter along. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Health coach Keisha Schahaff and her daughter will become Virgin Galactic's one of the first space tourists. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-look-to-recycle-dangerous-space-junk-into-rocket-fuel-in-earths-orbit-430648" hreflang="en">Experts look to recycle dangerous space junk into rocket fuel in Earth's orbit</a></strong></p>

<p>Schahaff said that she wanted to cross the final frontier with her 17-year-old daughter, who is a science student living in Britain. Her daughter dreams of working with NASA one day. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In early November, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson had surprised 44-year-old Schahaff with the news at her home in the Caribbean. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I just thought I was doing a zoom interview. When I saw Richard Branson walking in, I just started screaming! I couldn't believe it. I was always interested in space as a little girl. This is a great opportunity for me to feel alive and to just make the greatest adventure ever," Schahaff told AFP. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-avert-armageddon-nasa-to-collide-spacecraft-into-asteroid-to-alter-its-orbit-431319" hreflang="en">To avert Armageddon, NASA to collide spacecraft into asteroid to alter its orbit</a></strong></p>

<p>The health coach had won the prize after entering a fundraiser sweepstakes, which was organised by Virgin Galactic on the Omaze platform. It had raised $1.7 million. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The money is going to be donated to a non-government group ‘Space for Humanity’. It works for wider access to space. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


In what can be called a trip of a lifetime, a health coach from Antigua and Barbuda, who won two tickets worth almost $1 million to space, looks to take her teenage daughter along.

In what can be called a trip of a lifetime, a health coach from Antigua and Barbuda, who won two tickets worth almost $1 million to space, looks to take her teenage daughter along. Health coach Keisha Schahaff and her daughter will become Virgin Galactic's one of the first space tourists. Also Read: Experts look to recycle dangerous space junk into rocket fuel in Earth's orbit Schahaff said that she wanted to cross the final frontier with her 17-year-old daughter, who is a science student living in Britain. Her daughter dreams of working with NASA one day. In early November, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson had surprised 44-year-old Schahaff with the news at her home in the Caribbean. "I just thought I was doing a zoom interview. When I saw Richard Branson walking in, I just started screaming! I couldn't believe it. I was always interested in space as a little girl. This is a great opportunity for me to feel alive and to just make the greatest adventure ever," Schahaff told AFP. Also Read: To avert Armageddon, NASA to collide spacecraft into asteroid to alter its orbit The health coach had won the prize after entering a fundraiser sweepstakes, which was organised by Virgin Galactic on the Omaze platform. It had raised $1.7 million. The money is going to be donated to a non-government group ‘Space for Humanity’. It works for wider access to space. (With inputs from agencies)

After winning $1 mn Virgin Galactic tickets, mother-daughter duo bound for space

<p>Stars are a brilliant to look at. The specs of light adorning the black sky impart a sense of calm.</p>

<p>But the process of star formation is a violent one.</p>

<p>A mass of gas in a corner of space comes together. Dense clumps of this cloud coalesce due to processes known as local stellar wind. The gas is thus pushed together. When the density reaches a high enough point, clumps of gas collapse under their own gravity and form a spinning protostar. The material around the star forms a disc and gets attracted to the star due to its gravity therby increasing the gravity and carrying the process of star formation ahead.</p>

<p>At some point, the star begins to give out what is called solar wind and this in addition to several other processes limit the growth of the star and it starts on the path to become a full-fledged star!</p>

<p>NASA's Hubble space telescope has clicked an image of such a protostar. The protostar has been given a designation J1672835.29-763111.64</p>

<p>The region of space around this protostar is still dusty. That means the protistar is still in its infancy and matter is still being spooled into it making it bigger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This protostar is roughly 400 to 600 light-years away.</p>


Stars are a brilliant to look at. The specs of light adorning the black sky impart a sense of calm. But the process of star formation is a violent one. A mass of gas in a corner of space comes together.

Stars are a brilliant to look at. The specs of light adorning the black sky impart a sense of calm. But the process of star formation is a violent one. A mass of gas in a corner of space comes together. Dense clumps of this cloud coalesce due to processes known as local stellar wind. The gas is thus pushed together. When the density reaches a high enough point, clumps of gas collapse under their own gravity and form a spinning protostar. The material around the star forms a disc and gets attracted to the star due to its gravity therby increasing the gravity and carrying the process of star formation ahead. At some point, the star begins to give out what is called solar wind and this in addition to several other processes limit the growth of the star and it starts on the path to become a full-fledged star! NASA's Hubble space telescope has clicked an image of such a protostar. The protostar has been given a designation J1672835.29-763111.64 The region of space around this protostar is still dusty. That means the protistar is still in its infancy and matter is still being spooled into it making it bigger. This protostar is roughly 400 to 600 light-years away.

Hubble telescope captures violent process of star formation

<p class="MsoNormal">Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the self-funded space explorer, has predicted that Earth will soon be turned into a natural resort as only a few people will be allowed to stay here in the future.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"This place is special, we can't ruin it," the billionaire said at the annual Ignatius Forum in Washington, DC. Talking about his own company, Blue Origin, he said the experts aim to make sure that millions of humans get to not just work in space but also be born and call space as their first home.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-is-pouring-money-to-crack-secret-of-living-forever-412737">Jeff Bezos is pouring money to crack secret of living 'forever'</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Millions of people will move from Earth to space over time. And that's the vision of Blue Origin – millions of people working in space,"&nbsp;Bezos said. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Over centuries, most or many of the people will be born in space. It will be their first home. They will be born on these colonies, they will live on these colonies. They may visit Earth the way you would visit Yellowstone National Park," he predicted.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Bezos believes that the space colonies in future will have 'rivers and forests and wildlife'&nbsp;of their own. He also claimed that it is inevitable to expand the living zones for humans if the race continues growing at the same rate. "This Earth can support, let's say, 10 billion people to a certain degree. We'd have to work really hard to figure out how to do that without degrading the planet… The solar system can support a trillion people,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entrepreneur-who-flew-with-william-shatner-onboard-blue-origin-to-space-dies-in-plane-crash-428977">Entrepreneur who flew with William Shatner onboard Blue Origin to space dies in plane crash</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Even though the billionaire is quite positive about shifting humanity to space and keeping the Earth for a selected few, he was hesitant about claiming who will get to decide who stays on Earth. He also said his company can be labelled as 'Earth ambassadors' in future.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"The hard part is not space travel – that part was solved in the 1960s. Not reusability – the space shuttle sort of did that. The hard part is operational reusability,"&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;"It requires practice to get it right."<o:p></o:p></p>


Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the self-funded space explorer, has predicted that Earth will soon be turned into a natural resort as only a few people will be allowed to stay here in the future.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the self-funded space explorer, has predicted that Earth will soon be turned into a natural resort as only a few people will be allowed to stay here in the future. "This place is special, we can't ruin it," the billionaire said at the annual Ignatius Forum in Washington, DC. Talking about his own company, Blue Origin, he said the experts aim to make sure that millions of humans get to not just work in space but also be born and call space as their first home. Also read | Jeff Bezos is pouring money to crack secret of living 'forever' "Millions of people will move from Earth to space over time. And that's the vision of Blue Origin – millions of people working in space," Bezos said. "Over centuries, most or many of the people will be born in space. It will be their first home. They will be born on these colonies, they will live on these colonies. They may visit Earth the way you would visit Yellowstone National Park," he predicted. Bezos believes that the space colonies in future will have 'rivers and forests and wildlife' of their own. He also claimed that it is inevitable to expand the living zones for humans if the race continues growing at the same rate. "This Earth can support, let's say, 10 billion people to a certain degree. We'd have to work really hard to figure out how to do that without degrading the planet… The solar system can support a trillion people," he said. Also read | Entrepreneur who flew with William Shatner onboard Blue Origin to space dies in plane crash Even though the billionaire is quite positive about shifting humanity to space and keeping the Earth for a selected few, he was hesitant about claiming who will get to decide who stays on Earth. He also said his company can be labelled as 'Earth ambassadors' in future. "The hard part is not space travel – that part was solved in the 1960s. Not reusability – the space shuttle sort of did that. The hard part is operational reusability," he said. "It requires practice to get it right."

Earth ambassadors? Jeff Bezos predicts planet will soon become 'natural resort'

<p>Four astronauts are scheduled to return to Earth from the International Space Station early Monday after spending more than six months in space, NASA announced.</p>

<p>The four members of the Crew-2 mission, including a French and a Japanese astronaut, will therefore return to Earth before the arrival of a replacement crew, whose take-off was delayed several times due to unfavourable weather conditions.</p>

<p>NASA said in a statement late Friday that Crew-2 members are due to return to Earth "no earlier than 7:14 am EST Monday, November&nbsp;8, with a splashdown off the coast of Florida."</p>

<p>"As we're preparing to leave, it's kind of a bittersweet feeling, we might never come back to see the ISS, and it's really a magical place," French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said earlier Friday during a press conference from the space station.</p>

<p>"I'm very thankful that people dreamt the ISS some time ago and then went ahead and worked hard to make it happen and to build it for the benefit of everyone," Pesquet added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-chinas-greyzone-warfare-is-designed-to-subdue-the-enemy-427343"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;How China's 'greyzone warfare' is designed to subdue the enemy</strong></a></p>

<p>Endeavour, the Crew Dragon spacecraft, is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station at 1805 GMT Sunday to begin the journey home.</p>

<p>Once detached from the ISS, the capsule will begin a journey of several hours, the duration of which can vary greatly depending on the trajectory, and will then land off the coast of Florida.</p>

<p>A backup undocking and splashdown opportunity is available Monday, if weather conditions are not favourable, NASA said.</p>

<p>The two missions are being carried out by NASA in collaboration with SpaceX, which now provides regular launches to the ISS from the United States.</p>

<p>Crew-3 is scheduled to take off for the ISS aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where astronauts have been in quarantine for days.</p>

<p>US astronaut Megan McArthur was confident that not getting the replacement crew to ISS before the current crew departs was just a temporary setback.</p>

<p>"Of course that's not optimal," McArthur told reporters during the Friday press conference. "But we are prepared to manage that. Spaceflight is full of lots of little challenges."</p>


Four astronauts are scheduled to return to Earth from the International Space Station early Monday after spending more than six months in space, NASA announced. The four members of the Crew-2 mission, including a French and a Japanese astronaut, will therefore return to Earth before the arrival of a replacement crew, whose take-off was delayed several times due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Four astronauts are scheduled to return to Earth from the International Space Station early Monday after spending more than six months in space, NASA announced. The four members of the Crew-2 mission, including a French and a Japanese astronaut, will therefore return to Earth before the arrival of a replacement crew, whose take-off was delayed several times due to unfavourable weather conditions. NASA said in a statement late Friday that Crew-2 members are due to return to Earth "no earlier than 7:14 am EST Monday, November 8, with a splashdown off the coast of Florida." "As we're preparing to leave, it's kind of a bittersweet feeling, we might never come back to see the ISS, and it's really a magical place," French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said earlier Friday during a press conference from the space station. "I'm very thankful that people dreamt the ISS some time ago and then went ahead and worked hard to make it happen and to build it for the benefit of everyone," Pesquet added. Also read | How China's 'greyzone warfare' is designed to subdue the enemy Endeavour, the Crew Dragon spacecraft, is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station at 1805 GMT Sunday to begin the journey home. Once detached from the ISS, the capsule will begin a journey of several hours, the duration of which can vary greatly depending on the trajectory, and will then land off the coast of Florida. A backup undocking and splashdown opportunity is available Monday, if weather conditions are not favourable, NASA said. The two missions are being carried out by NASA in collaboration with SpaceX, which now provides regular launches to the ISS from the United States. Crew-3 is scheduled to take off for the ISS aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where astronauts have been in quarantine for days. US astronaut Megan McArthur was confident that not getting the replacement crew to ISS before the current crew departs was just a temporary setback. "Of course that's not optimal," McArthur told reporters during the Friday press conference. "But we are prepared to manage that. Spaceflight is full of lots of little challenges."

Astronauts to return from space station next week, says NASA

<p>A malfunctioning&nbsp;toilet in SpaceX capsule seems to have left astronauts with no choice but to use diapers on the way back home from the International Space Station on Sunday.</p>

<p>Describing the situation as “suboptimal” but manageable, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur said in a news conference from orbit, “Spaceflight is full of lots of little challenges. This is just one more that we’ll encounter and take care of in our mission. So, we’re not too worried about it.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-water-in-a-galaxy-128-billion-light-years-away-426992" hreflang="en">Scientists find water in a galaxy 12.8 billion light-years away</a></strong></p>

<p>During their return, McArthur and three crewmates will have to spend 20 hours in the capsule. It includes the time from when the hatches are closed to a splashdown on Monday morning. In their time in space, these astronauts were forced to deal with the toilet leak as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before launching replacements, the mission managers decided to bring McArthur and the rest of her crew home after a series of meetings on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/andromeda-galaxy-has-a-weird-shape-in-the-middle-astronomers-now-know-why-426752" hreflang="en">Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why</a></strong></p>

<p>For over a week, the SpaceX launch had been delayed due to bad weather and an undisclosed medical issue involving a crew member. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company is now looking for a lift-off for Wednesday night at the earliest. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who will return with McArthur, said that last six months had been intense. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A malfunctioning toilet in SpaceX capsule seems to have left astronauts with no choice but to use diapers on the way back home from the International Space Station on Sunday.

A malfunctioning toilet in SpaceX capsule seems to have left astronauts with no choice but to use diapers on the way back home from the International Space Station on Sunday. Describing the situation as “suboptimal” but manageable, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur said in a news conference from orbit, “Spaceflight is full of lots of little challenges. This is just one more that we’ll encounter and take care of in our mission. So, we’re not too worried about it.” Also Read: Scientists find water in a galaxy 12.8 billion light-years away During their return, McArthur and three crewmates will have to spend 20 hours in the capsule. It includes the time from when the hatches are closed to a splashdown on Monday morning. In their time in space, these astronauts were forced to deal with the toilet leak as well. Before launching replacements, the mission managers decided to bring McArthur and the rest of her crew home after a series of meetings on Friday. Also Read: Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why For over a week, the SpaceX launch had been delayed due to bad weather and an undisclosed medical issue involving a crew member. The company is now looking for a lift-off for Wednesday night at the earliest. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who will return with McArthur, said that last six months had been intense. (With inputs from agencies)

No plumber in space? Toilet leak pushes astronauts to use diapers on way back to Earth

<p>Our constant search for answer to whether we are alone in the universe involves detection of water. The simple liquid has a great significance in finding life in space as it has cradled life on our very own planet. Water has been found and even predicted to be present elsewhere in out solar system but now scientists have found a galaxy that represents farthest distance from Earth where water has been found.</p>

<p>Scientists from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have found evidence of water in a galaxy named SPT0311-58. The galaxy is 12.8 billion light-years away from Earth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/andromeda-galaxy-has-a-weird-shape-in-the-middle-astronomers-now-know-why-426752">Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why</a></strong></p>

<p>The scientists used Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile to gaze at the galaxy. The galaxy is located in younger part of the universe and it is about 780 million years old. Considering universe is 13.8 billion years old, the galaxy is fairly young.</p>

<p>Lead investigator of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that evidence of presence of carbon dioxide has also been found in this galaxy. The scientists have also found that stars in this galaxy have completed their life span relatively quickly. Considering oxygen comes from dying stars, this galaxy would have oxygen too. This also logically explains presence of water.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dragon-black-holes-that-defy-norms-of-physics-can-mess-with-your-future-426577">'Dragon' black holes that defy norms of physics can mess with your future</a></strong></p>

<p>So should we fear aliens invading Earth because their star died out? Even if they are travelling at the speed of light (300,000 km per second) it will taken 12.8 billion years to reach us. It can hence be said that we are safe for now.</p>


Our constant search for answer to whether we are alone in the universe involves detection of water. The simple liquid has a great significance in finding life in space as it has cradled life on our very own planet.

Our constant search for answer to whether we are alone in the universe involves detection of water. The simple liquid has a great significance in finding life in space as it has cradled life on our very own planet. Water has been found and even predicted to be present elsewhere in out solar system but now scientists have found a galaxy that represents farthest distance from Earth where water has been found. Scientists from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have found evidence of water in a galaxy named SPT0311-58. The galaxy is 12.8 billion light-years away from Earth. Also Read: Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why The scientists used Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile to gaze at the galaxy. The galaxy is located in younger part of the universe and it is about 780 million years old. Considering universe is 13.8 billion years old, the galaxy is fairly young. Lead investigator of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that evidence of presence of carbon dioxide has also been found in this galaxy. The scientists have also found that stars in this galaxy have completed their life span relatively quickly. Considering oxygen comes from dying stars, this galaxy would have oxygen too. This also logically explains presence of water. Also Read: 'Dragon' black holes that defy norms of physics can mess with your future So should we fear aliens invading Earth because their star died out? Even if they are travelling at the speed of light (300,000 km per second) it will taken 12.8 billion years to reach us. It can hence be said that we are safe for now.

Scientists find water in a galaxy 12.8 billion light-years away

<p>Andromeda galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Naturally, we have our scientific eyes in its direction. the galaxy is 2.5 million lightyears away from us.</p>

<p>There is a strange elongated cluster of stars near the centre of the Andromeda galaxy. Astronomers now know the reason behind it.</p>

<p>Galaxies have supermassive black holes at the centre. It is common for two galaxies to collide in space. In such a case, the supermassive black holes at the centre of these galaxies collide as well. The black holes are first locked in a gravitational dance in which they revolve around each other. They merge afterwards to form a single supermassive black hole.</p>

<p>This merger causes a gravitational 'kick' in the form of gravitational waves. This 'kick' is somewhat like a recoil of a gun when bullet is fired.</p>

<p>A latest study says that this gravitational kick on a cosmic scale is powerful enough to form an elongated disc near the centre of a galaxy. This disc is a mass made up of millions of stars. And this is what is visible at the centre of the Andromeda galaxy.</p>

<p>To arrive at the conclusion, a team of researchers at University of Colorado Boulder ran simulation of collision of supermassive black holes. The team found that resulting force of the collision was enough to stretch disc of nearby stars in an elongated shape rather than a symmetrical one.</p>


Andromeda galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Naturally, we have our scientific eyes in its direction. the galaxy is 2.5 million lightyears away from us.

Andromeda galaxy is the nearest large galaxy to the Milky Way. Naturally, we have our scientific eyes in its direction. the galaxy is 2.5 million lightyears away from us. There is a strange elongated cluster of stars near the centre of the Andromeda galaxy. Astronomers now know the reason behind it. Galaxies have supermassive black holes at the centre. It is common for two galaxies to collide in space. In such a case, the supermassive black holes at the centre of these galaxies collide as well. The black holes are first locked in a gravitational dance in which they revolve around each other. They merge afterwards to form a single supermassive black hole. This merger causes a gravitational 'kick' in the form of gravitational waves. This 'kick' is somewhat like a recoil of a gun when bullet is fired. A latest study says that this gravitational kick on a cosmic scale is powerful enough to form an elongated disc near the centre of a galaxy. This disc is a mass made up of millions of stars. And this is what is visible at the centre of the Andromeda galaxy. To arrive at the conclusion, a team of researchers at University of Colorado Boulder ran simulation of collision of supermassive black holes. The team found that resulting force of the collision was enough to stretch disc of nearby stars in an elongated shape rather than a symmetrical one.

Andromeda galaxy has a weird shape in the middle, astronomers now know why

<p>The iconic Hubble Space Telescope has developed a glitch yet again and has entered 'safe mode' suspending scientific operation. The iconic but ageing piece of technology has needed constant repairs in recent years underlining need for new eye in the sky.</p>

<p>Hubble's safe mode allows the telescope to remain powered using its solar panels as scientists figure out ways to address the issue.</p>

<p>"The Hubble operations team is continuing work to resolve the issue that caused Hubble’s science instruments to enter safe mode Oct. 25. They are analyzing existing data and collecting additional data to further isolate and address the issue," NASA tweeted on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Hubble has been facing trouble since October 23 due to synchronisation errors. NASA says that synchronisation messages are necessary to provide “information the instruments use to correctly respond to data requests and commands.”</p>

<p>Scientists were able to rectify the problem after October 23 glitch by resetting the instruments on the space telescope but the problem occurred again on October 25.</p>

<p>Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990 to eliminate problems we face in observing the universe from the Earth's surface.</p>

<p>This is not the first time Hubble has developed problems. Hubble's payload computer malfunctioned in June this year and the space telescope entered safe mode.</p>

<p>James Webb Telescope, a successor to Hubble is all set to be launched into space next month. The telescope is armed with the latest technology and will be able to observe the universe in much better way than Hubble currently does. It is expected that Hubble will be able to aid space research for a decade more.</p>


The iconic Hubble Space Telescope has developed a glitch yet again and has entered 'safe mode' suspending scientific operation. The iconic but ageing piece of technology has needed constant repairs in recent years underlining need for new eye in the sky.

The iconic Hubble Space Telescope has developed a glitch yet again and has entered 'safe mode' suspending scientific operation. The iconic but ageing piece of technology has needed constant repairs in recent years underlining need for new eye in the sky. Hubble's safe mode allows the telescope to remain powered using its solar panels as scientists figure out ways to address the issue. "The Hubble operations team is continuing work to resolve the issue that caused Hubble’s science instruments to enter safe mode Oct. 25. They are analyzing existing data and collecting additional data to further isolate and address the issue," NASA tweeted on Tuesday. Hubble has been facing trouble since October 23 due to synchronisation errors. NASA says that synchronisation messages are necessary to provide “information the instruments use to correctly respond to data requests and commands.” Scientists were able to rectify the problem after October 23 glitch by resetting the instruments on the space telescope but the problem occurred again on October 25. Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990 to eliminate problems we face in observing the universe from the Earth's surface. This is not the first time Hubble has developed problems. Hubble's payload computer malfunctioned in June this year and the space telescope entered safe mode. James Webb Telescope, a successor to Hubble is all set to be launched into space next month. The telescope is armed with the latest technology and will be able to observe the universe in much better way than Hubble currently does. It is expected that Hubble will be able to aid space research for a decade more.

Hubble in trouble: Space telescope enters safe mode, suspends operations

<p>An asteroid about the size of a refrigerator had moved past Earth last week. The astronomers seem to have completely missed its until hours after it was gone. &nbsp;</p>

<p>From a cosmic perspective, it was a close call. According to the space rock's trajectory, it was the third-closest asteroid to approach the planet without actually hitting it, reported CNET. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-astronauts-get-to-relish-space-grown-chillies-on-iss-426304" hreflang="en">In a first, astronauts get to relish space-grown chillies on ISS</a></strong></p>

<p>On October 24, it was within 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) from Earth, even closer than some satellites. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Unaware of the object, scientists dubbed it as Asteroid 2021 UA1 as it approached Earth's daytime side from the direction of the Sun. So, the comparatively small asteroid went undetected until about four hours after passing by at its closest point, according to CNET. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-active-october-sun-emits-a-powerful-x-class-solar-flare-426364" hreflang="en">Watch: Active October Sun emits a powerful X-class solar flare</a></strong></p>

<p>As UA1 had a diameter of just 6.6 feet (2 meters), it was too small to pose a threat. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>If it had struck Earth, most of its body would have burnt away while entering our atmosphere before it could have hit the ground, added the report. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, asteroids and comets that orbit within our cosmic neighbourhood are known as near-Earth objects. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


An asteroid about the size of a refrigerator had moved past Earth last week. The astronomers seem to have completely missed its until hours after it was gone. From a cosmic perspective, it was a close call.

An asteroid about the size of a refrigerator had moved past Earth last week. The astronomers seem to have completely missed its until hours after it was gone. From a cosmic perspective, it was a close call. According to the space rock's trajectory, it was the third-closest asteroid to approach the planet without actually hitting it, reported CNET. Also Read: In a first, astronauts get to relish space-grown chillies on ISS On October 24, it was within 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers) from Earth, even closer than some satellites. Unaware of the object, scientists dubbed it as Asteroid 2021 UA1 as it approached Earth's daytime side from the direction of the Sun. So, the comparatively small asteroid went undetected until about four hours after passing by at its closest point, according to CNET. Also Read: Watch: Active October Sun emits a powerful X-class solar flare As UA1 had a diameter of just 6.6 feet (2 meters), it was too small to pose a threat. If it had struck Earth, most of its body would have burnt away while entering our atmosphere before it could have hit the ground, added the report. According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, asteroids and comets that orbit within our cosmic neighbourhood are known as near-Earth objects. (With inputs from agencies)

Did a refrigerator-sized asteroid slip past Earth undetected?

<p>Space is full of surprises and wonders. The beauty is unparalleled and sometimes we come across such a beauty that we can't help but be mesmerised and ascribe some meaning to the resplendent celestial structure.</p>

<p>Trust NASA to send such pictures our way! The space agency regularly posts photos it clicks via its social media channels. And on of its photos has us go gaga again.</p>

<p>The image is of 'Hand of God'. The photo shows a golden structure on the background of deep black of the space that has arranged itself to resemble a hand. And it would have been surprising if this would've got called anything but 'hand of God'. The structure appears to pop out of nothingness, just like a Supreme Being wanting to convey his blessings and nothing more. Take a look at the image.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/devils-eye-nasa-posts-eerie-image-of-helix-nebula-in-the-halloween-season-426198">Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula this Halloween season</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA explains that the golden structure is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar has been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is about 19 kilometres in diamters. Mind boggling thing is that it is spinning around itself 7 times per second. It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth.</p>

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<p>Netizens are obviously awestruck at the images.</p>

<p>"It should be called "hand of Midas"!" says a user referring to the fairy tale of a king whose touch turned everything to gold.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-ingenuity-helicopter-latest-mars-flying-tougher-415112">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>"How do you measure something that is only 19 kms in diameter from 17,000 light years away? That cray cray," exclaims another user.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-astronaut-iss-cracks-serious-issue-415124">Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut</a></strong></p>

<p>"For me it looks like fire from Lord Shiva's third eye,, and he is wearing an earring and his hairstyle holding ganga," a third user delves into Indian mythology.</p>

<p>No wonder the beautIful image has gone viral and has got about 25,000 likes already.</p>


Space is full of surprises and wonders. The beauty is unparalleled and sometimes we come across such a beauty that we can't help but be mesmerised and ascribe some meaning to the resplendent celestial structure.

Space is full of surprises and wonders. The beauty is unparalleled and sometimes we come across such a beauty that we can't help but be mesmerised and ascribe some meaning to the resplendent celestial structure. Trust NASA to send such pictures our way! The space agency regularly posts photos it clicks via its social media channels. And on of its photos has us go gaga again. The image is of 'Hand of God'. The photo shows a golden structure on the background of deep black of the space that has arranged itself to resemble a hand. And it would have been surprising if this would've got called anything but 'hand of God'. The structure appears to pop out of nothingness, just like a Supreme Being wanting to convey his blessings and nothing more. Take a look at the image. Also Read | Devil's eye? NASA posts eerie image of Helix Nebula this Halloween season NASA explains that the golden structure is a nebula of energy and particles blown by a pulsar. The pulsar has been left behind after explosion of a star. This pulsar is known as PSR B1509-58. It is about 19 kilometres in diamters. Mind boggling thing is that it is spinning around itself 7 times per second. It is 17,000 lightyears away from Earth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA Chandra X-ray Observatory (@nasachandraxray) × Netizens are obviously awestruck at the images. "It should be called "hand of Midas"!" says a user referring to the fairy tale of a king whose touch turned everything to gold. Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars "How do you measure something that is only 19 kms in diameter from 17,000 light years away? That cray cray," exclaims another user. Also Read | Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut "For me it looks like fire from Lord Shiva's third eye,, and he is wearing an earring and his hairstyle holding ganga," a third user delves into Indian mythology. No wonder the beautIful image has gone viral and has got about 25,000 likes already.

NASA posts image of 'Hand of God', netizens are awestruck

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